Sustainable Fish Farming Initiative

Victoria Community Project is pioneering sustainable aquaculture innovation on Rusinga Island, addressing both Lake Victoria’s environmental challenges and our community’s food security needs through the first systematic oxygen management approach in East Africa.

Project Leadership

Ogolla Michael, Project Director, leads our innovative aquaculture initiative with over three years of hands-on experience in community-based fish farming. Working alongside Collins Otieno, Operations Manager, our team has successfully demonstrated that systematic environmental management can achieve sustainable fish production even under Lake Victoria’s challenging conditions.

“We’ve moved beyond traditional fish farming to create an integrated solution that addresses Lake Victoria’s environmental crisis while building sustainable community prosperity,” says Ogolla Michael.

The Challenge We’re Solving

Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, faces a critical environmental crisis. Widespread eutrophication has created hypoxic zones where dissolved oxygen levels drop below 2 mg/L, causing massive fish kills and threatening traditional aquaculture approaches. Meanwhile, Kenya faces an annual fish deficit of 117,500 metric tons, forcing communities to rely on expensive imports.

Our community on Rusinga Island has experienced firsthand how traditional fishing methods are failing due to these environmental challenges. We needed a solution that could work with the lake’s current conditions, not against them.

Our Innovation: Solar-Powered Oxygen Management

Victoria Community Project has developed the first systematic approach to managing Lake Victoria’s oxygen crisis through integrated aquaculture innovation:

• 24/7 solar-powered aeration systems ensuring optimal dissolved oxygen levels
• Continuous monitoring and emergency response protocols
• Reduced stocking density optimized for oxygen-challenged environments
• Sustainable energy systems reducing operational costs and environmental impact

Proven Track Record

Since establishing our operations over three years ago, we have successfully demonstrated that systematic oxygen management can achieve 85% survival rates even during Lake Victoria’s most challenging environmental conditions. Our community-based approach has proven both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.

Market Validation Through Strategic Partnerships

Our project has achieved unprecedented market validation with 60% of projected production already committed through established partnerships. This includes agreements with local hospitality partners (Kolunga Apex Hotel & Restaurants, Rusinga Island Lodge, White Stone Hotel), educational institutions (Uya Primary School, Kamasengre High School), and community organizations including the Uta Beach Management Unit.

These partnerships ensure immediate market access while providing sustainable revenue streams that will fund the expansion of all our community programs, from youth empowerment to environmental conservation.

Two-Phase Implementation Strategy

Our implementation follows a conservative, risk-managed approach designed to prove our concept before scaling to full commercial operation.

Phase 1: Proof of Concept requires an investment of KSh 3,984,300 over 12 months to establish three earthen ponds and two floating cages with comprehensive oxygen management systems. This phase will produce 4,500 kg annually while validating our technology and market approach.

Phase 2: Full Scale Operations involves an additional investment of KSh 4,790,000 to achieve 40,000 kg annual production, generating KSh 8,120,000 in annual revenue with a 48% return on investment. This phase includes training center development and preparation for regional replication.

Community and Environmental Impact

Beyond fish production, our initiative will create 15 direct jobs with 50% women participation, serve over 5,000 community members with affordable protein, and provide sustainable funding for all our existing community programs including youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and education support.

Our approach directly supports Kenya’s Big Four Agenda for food security, Vision 2030 sustainable development goals, and climate adaptation priorities. The project serves as a replicable model for climate-smart aquaculture across the 24+ counties facing similar Lake Victoria challenges.

Partnership Opportunities

Victoria Community Project offers government agencies, development partners, and impact investors the opportunity to support a proven, implementation-ready initiative that addresses multiple national priorities simultaneously. Our comprehensive business plan and research validation are available to qualified partners.

We invite partnerships that align with our community-based approach and commitment to sustainable development. Whether through technical assistance, funding support, or market development, there are multiple ways to engage with our innovative aquaculture model.

Explore Partnerships Access Business Plan Schedule Discussion

Connect With Our Team

Ogolla Michael, Project Director
Overall project leadership and stakeholder relations
Email: [email protected]

Collins Otieno, Operations Manager
Daily operations and production management

Location: Rusinga Island, Homa Bay County, Kenya
Legal Status: Registered Community-Based Organization, Kenya Government

Victoria Community Project demonstrates how communities can thrive despite environmental challenges through innovation, partnership, and sustainable development practices.